Wright Staff Derby Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 4m 56.20s

Azzerti⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 137| D

11/8

Exploited a good mark to win over hurdles at Huntingdon in February and posted a solid effort under 9lb higher at Chetenham last time out. Big chance if able to reproduce that level over fences and looks the one to beat at this stage.

Form: 743172-

Duke Street^p²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 130

4/1

Effective under both codes of racing and has adapted well enough in two starts over fences to suggest he can pay his way. Has a bit to find on the official ratings and may also be sharper for the run. Still respected nevertheless.

Form: 4030/37-

Gustave Mahler²³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: A Ralph| OR: 132| C| D

5/1

Already well held when pulled up in the Persian War hurdle at Chepstow last time and harsh to judge him on that effort. May do better with more give underfoot, though.

Form: 11213P-

Grand Turina⁸³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: R T Dunne| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 115

16/1

Consistent of late in modest company over hurdles but this represents a step up in grade and the mare has something to find on BHA ratings.

Form: 0/P7544-

Treackle Tart²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 128| CD

11/4

Good effort when second on chasing debut at Warwick last month and has already won over this trip on the hurdles course at Worcester. Would be interesting to see her supported in the betting market.

Form: 26P59-2

Forecasts

Azzerti (11/8), Treackle Tart (11/4), Duke Street (4/1), Gustave Mahler (5/1), Grand Turina (16/1)

This could be there for the taking if AZZERTI can build on his latest start over hurdles, when second in better company at Cheltenham. The gelding sets the standard to aim for at this stage and edges the vote ahead of Treacle Tart and Duke Street, who have something to find at the weights but could capitalise if these tricky fences catch the selection unawares at any point.